Job Description

Collective Agreement Title: Outreach Worker

Program: Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO)

Report to: Team Supervisor / Team Manager

Work Hours: Weekends during the day from 10-5:30pm, potential evening weekend shifts during extreme weather alerts

Rate of Pay: $25.59 - $29.03

Role Type: Relief (Zero hours)

Contract End Date: March 31, 2027

About Gateway Residential and Community Support Services

At Gateway we believe in a community where all are offered respect, dignity, and hope for recovery. We believe in enabling people we support to achieve the highest quality of life possible.

The philosophy of Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara Inc. is rooted in a desire to serve others. We support and encourage the individual's right to independence, personal decision-making, and involvement in all aspects of planning, implementation, governance, and evaluation.

Job Summary

The Outreach Worker will establish presence and build rapport with clients who are chronically homeless or experiencing unsheltered homelessness (street or in an encampment) in the Niagara Region. Working in partnership with the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team, they will provide outreach case management which increases the effectiveness of a street-based response to facilitate engagement with individuals when and where they are most likely engaged; truly meeting the client where they are at.

Responsibilities

Street-based assertive outreach services, engaging people experiencing homelessness in locations they frequent Creative; meaningful engagement with people experiencing primary homelessness Assessment (including risk, needs, goals, and strengths) Case planning, implementation, evaluation, and review (to include relapse prevention, crisis resolution/contingency planning) Monitor, respond and address 211 calls over the weekend Referrals to appropriate accommodation resources and housing providers Facilitating access to physical and mental health support services Consideration for cultural and spiritual well-being Collaboration with substance-use harm reduction services and healthcare providers Collaboration with criminal justice system Collaboration towards social inclusion Person centered advocacy Reconnecting people with family, friends, and social support Ensuring the client is informed of Housing First philosophy Work in collaboration with the Niagara Assertive Outreach Team Provide coordinated case management to clients Attend, participate in all team/staff meetings or training as required
This position description reflects the general duties of the position, but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. The Street Outreach Worker may also be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

Community College Diploma or a University Degree in social services (Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Social Service Worker Diploma, Police Foundations, Mental Health and Addiction Worker Diploma) College Diploma in a related field with 10 years' experience working in social services related to homelessness programs One-year experience working with people experiencing homelessness One-year experience in the community mental health field and/or addictions One-year experience working with dual diagnosis A valid G drivers' license with a reliable vehicle and permission to carry rider attached with 2-million-dollar liability Valid CPR Certificate/First Aid and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training Availability to work some evening shifts Knowledge of homelessness service system and outreach community resources Good organizational, problem solving, time management and prioritizing skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Excellent interpersonal skills with good oral and written skills A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills Computer literacy, including effective working skills of HIFIS, MS Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Outlook Calendar Understand and work within a person-centered approach, maintaining political and cultural sensitivity Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to staff and client privacy Demonstrated ability to function within and contribute to a fast-paced team environment Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional education Ability to monitor financial accountabilities Physically able to perform all assigned tasks Ability to work under minimal supervision Bi-lingual in both French and English is an asset

Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

To ensure the safety of the individuals we serve, all successful candidates for this position will be required to provide a Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check from their local police service. A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment. Any prior convictions or offenses (outside the scope of the Vulnerable Sector Check) will be assessed in accordance with applicable privacy and human rights legislation. A criminal record may be considered in the hiring decision, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss any relevant information once the check is requested.

Work Conditions

Working directly with individuals living in poverty Working directly with individuals experiencing crisis, living roughly or living in public spaces Working in a stressful environment where there are mental and emotional demands - a high level of unpredictable work that could include life threatening situations May be exposed to infectious waste, communicable diseases, and other conditions Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all circumstances Exposure to traumatic situations, intermittent weather, and environmental extremes Travel is required. Client travel in ones' own vehicle may be required Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals Intermittent physical activity including walking, hiking, standing, and sitting May be required to attend remote work area May be exposed to environments that have cigarette smoke, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances May be required to work in inclement weather May be exposed to environments that have cigarette smoke, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances

Additional Information

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Gateway is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and inclusiveness across the organization. We believe in equal opportunity, and it is our priority to ensure a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you are contacted for an interview, please notify Human Resources of any accommodation needs you may have during the selection process. Information received regarding the accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. We thank all respondents for their applications but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Casual

Pay: $25.59-$29.03 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 35 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Mileage reimbursement
Ability to commute/relocate:

Niagara Falls, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Do you have a Community College Diploma or a University Degree in social services (Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Social Service Worker Diploma, Police Foundations, Mental Health and Addiction Worker Diploma) ? Available to work weekends and evenings?
Education:

DCS / DEC (required)
Experience:

working with people experiencing homelessness : 1 year (required) in the community mental health field and/or addictions : 1 year (required) Working with dual diagnosis: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

G Driver's Licence (required) CPR First Aid Level C + AED (preferred) Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2026-01-05